Brief Overview of ἄβυσσος (G12: Abussos)

ἄβυσσος (Abussos):
The Greek word “ἄβυσσος” (abussos) translates to “abyss” or “bottomless pit.” It is used in the Bible to describe an immeasurable or unfathomable depth, often associated with the underworld or a place of punishment. The term appears in contexts relating to chaotic, dark, or boundless realms, both literally and metaphorically.

Detailed Overview Incorporating Other Concordances

ἄβυσσος (Abussos):

1. Strong’s Concordance:

• Meaning: According to Strong’s Concordance (G12), “ἄβυσσος” means “abyss” or “bottomless pit.” It is derived from the Greek prefix “a-” (without) and “βύθος” (depth), indicating a place of profound depth or void. In the New Testament, “ἄβυσσος” is used to describe the realm of the dead or a place of confinement for evil spirits (e.g., Luke 8:31; Revelation 9:1-2). This term conveys a sense of boundlessness and darkness.

1. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Meaning: Thayer’s Lexicon provides a detailed explanation of “ἄβυσσος,” noting that it denotes an immeasurable or unfathomable depth. Thayer’s highlights its use in describing both the literal and figurative depths, such as the underworld or a place of torment. The lexicon references its occurrence in various passages, such as in Revelation, where it describes the abyss from which locust-like creatures emerge (Revelation 9:1-2).

1. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words:

• Meaning: Vine’s Dictionary describes “ἄβυσσος” as “abyss” or “bottomless pit,” emphasizing its use in biblical texts to represent a deep, dark, or chaotic place. Vine’s notes that this term is employed in apocalyptic literature to describe the realm of the dead or a place of confinement for demonic forces. The dictionary elaborates on its figurative meaning as a profound, unsearchable depth.

1. Louw-Nida Greek-English Lexicon:

• Meaning: The Louw-Nida Lexicon categorizes “ἄβυσσος” under terms related to deep or boundless spaces. It defines the word as “abyss” or “bottomless pit,” used in biblical contexts to denote a place of extreme depth or darkness. The lexicon highlights its use in describing the spiritual realm or the underworld, where it conveys a sense of profound emptiness or confinement.

1. Moulton-Milligan Vocabulary of the Greek New Testament:

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• Meaning: Moulton-Milligan discusses “ἄβυσσος” as referring to an “abyss” or “bottomless pit,” emphasizing its use in the New Testament to denote a place of deep darkness or confinement. The vocabulary explains that this term is used metaphorically and literally to describe realms of torment or deep, unfathomable spaces, such as in apocalyptic literature.

Summary:
“ἄβυσσος” (abussos) translates to “abyss” or “bottomless pit” and is used in the Bible to describe profound depths, whether literal or metaphorical. It signifies a boundless, dark, or chaotic space, often associated with the underworld or places of punishment. Various concordances, including Strong’s, Thayer’s, Vine’s, Louw-Nida, and Moulton-Milligan, highlight its use in both apocalyptic and general contexts to convey a sense of extreme depth or darkness, reflecting its role in describing spiritual or existential realms of confinement and void.